2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class consumer reviews

My model is the CDI, or Diesel, version. It's a 4-door mid-sized sedan that looks basically like what a successful mid-level attorney or accountant might drive. Its styling is relatively conservative, though still pretty modern-looking and aerodynamic. I also own an S-class (or two) of similar vintage. This car is in a different category. By design, it doesn't feel as sumptuous as the S. Also remember that the S-class was $25,000 more at the time, so this is to be expected. With that said, this is still very much a Mercedes-Benz. The E-class is certainly comfortable enough and well thought out. You could take this car for a distance drive and be just fine afterwards. The controls take a little getting used to, but that's true with most German cars other than Volkswagens. It definitely shows its Mercedes-Benz heritage here ("quirky German charm", some might call it). There are a lot of features in the car, hence all the crazy buttons. Once you get used to where things are, though, it becomes second-nature, and that happens pretty quickly. Reliability: that's an A+ here. Honda's reputation for reliability is, of course, enviable; it's #1 in the world. This E-class is Mercedes-Benz's version of a Honda Accord, with extra amenities. It runs and runs without complaint. It just does what you ask it to without fuss. It is *not* a BMW and does not handle on rails like a BMW. If you want that, then buy a BMW. Mercedes-Benz clearly tune their sedans more for comfort than twisty mountain roads. It's simply a style choice. For the kind of driving I do, it's just fine. But performance enthusiasts seeking a mid-sized car might want the E55 AMG or possibly the BMW 5-series. Let's talk mechanics. My car being an inline-6 cylinder Diesel, it's fairly simple to work on and has a clean engine bay...for a Mercedes-Benz, that is. :-) The car comes with the reliable 5-speed transmission with the "Manu-Matic" mode, which I actually use frequently. Fuel efficiency is where this car is really a win. My car is rated at 37 miles/US gallon on the highway. I've seen 36 to 37, real-world, verified with a calculator. That's Honda Civic fuel-efficiency, folks...in a car the size of a Honda Accord and considerably heavier...with Mercedes-Benz appointments and Mercedes-Benz chassis strength/rigidity. Acceleration is somewhat surprising, especially given it's a 3,900-lb Diesel. The car will do 0-60 in 7 seconds, which is just as fast as my S500(!). It gets up and gets out of the way. However, it doesn't feel all that fast, because the power comes up a bit more gradually due to turbo spool-up. It's a smooth, firm push, vs. the S500, E500, or E55, any of which immediately shove you fairly hard back in your seat. The engine, as expected of a Diesel, is torquier (369 lb-ft) than it is full of horsepower (201 hp). Acceleration starts to peter off at about 80 mph and gradually goes down from there (no, I'm *NOT* telling you how I know that!). But you will get to that 80 mph in a hurry, even though it doesn't feel like it. For the Autobahn, you'd probably prefer the E500 for its higher horsepower to sustain those high German speeds. But for any other driving, the Diesel is perfect. So, to sum up, the car is a conservative, unobtrusively-styled, get-it-done car that doesn't shout out at anyone. It does not scream, "I'M FANCY!!" in any way. It just goes about its business and does what you ask it to do...kinda like the Germans themselves.

Excellent daily driver and winter vehicle (owned an E500 4Matic for 9 years now). When the car reached 10 years old, typical issues came up (alternator needed replacement, infotainment controls seemed outdated, etc.). Overall this car is a solid car with surprising performance (5 liter V8 with 302 hp). When I first drove it in a few inches of fresh snow, I was floored...I didn't even notice the snow!

I've owned this car for a few years. The cost of ownership is low compared to other Mercedes-Benz. Great car.

This car drives like a dream with all the bells and whistles you could ever need. Hardly required any maintenance we have had it on the road for over 10 years. It handles unbelievably. It is everything you think a luxury car would be.

480 HP, 518TQ, leather, navi, glass roof, keyless go, heated seats cooled seats all for under $16000. Find a better car. I dare you!

This is my second Mercedes-Benz, and by far the best. Too often do you hear about "bad quality" of Mercedes during this era- maybe true on the ML's, but NOT the German made MB's. The V8 is very powerful, the air suspension is sublime, and the stereo rocks. I have AWD, can seat seven, and don't look like everyone else in their boring crossovers. Win.

This is the best car Mercedes ever built with 500 horsepower very fast very reliable great comfort ride you will be very happy

This is the best car that Mercedes can produce with close to 500 horsepower this car rides with comfort and accelerates when needed

reliable car, this is our 6th Mercedes and we love them. they have a classic design that stays in style for years.

124k miles... runs great handles well tons of power. Just replaced fuel pump and send at the "stealer" $1700 should have done it myself... other than that it is going great